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Sean Avery, NHL Rule Changer!
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NEWSBREAKERS - FANBALL.COM |
Mike Jacobs' ailing left quad felt better than expected Thursday, but the Marlins were taking no chances on losing their top run producer for an extended time and went with Wes Helms at first base, according to the Palm Beach Post. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said, "He wants to play but we've got to make sure he's OK. We don't want to make it worse and all of a sudden he's sitting for two weeks." Jacobs said he is 95 percent sure he will be back in action tonight against Washington.
Our View
Jacobs was previously considered to sit out the weekend series against the Nationals, but it looks like he will play, according to his statement. If given the green light, he should be safe to return to your fantasy lineups.
Wells wants to join Yankees
Free agent lefty David Wells said he wants to join the Yankees, according to FanNation. He will turn 45 in 11 days, but stated that he has been working out near his home in San Diego and believes he could balance a New York rotation, suddenly besieged by question marks.
Our View
Hank Steinbrenner noted that Wells has crossed his mind as a possibility for the Yankees' rotation. Wells went 9-9 over 29 starts in 2007, with a 5.43 ERA and poor 1.54 WHIP. He only registered 82 strikeouts over 157.1 innings as well. He won't likely help fantasy rotations that much, but you know the Yankees will provide solid run support for him to nail down wins.
Murray sent back to Triple-A
A.J. Murray has been sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma, according to the Star Telegram. The team made the move to free up a roster spot for Kason Gabbard, who was activated from the DL and started Thursday.
Our View
Murray made one spot start this season, and earned a win as he allowed two runs on six hits over 5.1 innings, with two walks and two strikeouts. He made a solid transition from reliever to starter in his lone performance of the season, but will have to wait for another chance to shine following the move.
Wilkerson on Jays' radar?
Brad Wilkerson is on the Jays' radar, according to Globeandmail.com. Wilkerson is a left-handed batter who is statistically better against lefties than righties, and was recently designated for assignment by Seattle. The Blue Jays will open a four-game set on Friday against the Indians, and Jays' GM J.P. Ricciardi made clear Thursday that the team would likely add another bat before Friday night's game. Wilkerson has been pursued by the Jays at earlier times in his career, and Manager John Gibbons said, "We're facing three lefties in Cleveland, so we'd like a right-handed type bat, by that I mean a guy who can hit lefties."
Our View
This is only speculation at this point, but Wilkerson would provide Toronto with the bat they are looking for, and they won't have to sacrifice talent in their system to acquire him. He will also provide them flexibility to use him at first base, or in the outfield.
Guillen praises Gomez
Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen praised rising star Carlos Gomez, according to the Star Tribune. Guillen said, "He's not too far away from people saying, 'Torii Hunter who?' I'm telling you, I saw Kirby Puckett play. They're not going to forget Kirby Puckett. But this kid can bring a lot of good things to baseball. We need that. Baseball needs that. I love the way he plays."
Our View
Gomez hit for the cycle on Wednesday, and was the first member of the Twins to do it since Kirby Puckett in 1986. At 22-years old, Gomez is also the third youngest player to hit for the cycle, behind Cesar Cedeno and Alex Rodriguez.
Neshek's elbow to be examined
Pat Neshek will have his injured elbow examined by team orthopedist Dan Buss today, according to the Star Tribune. Neshek said he hadn't experienced any pain in the elbow before he threw a slider to Joe Crede of the White Sox in the eighth inning. Neshek said, "I just felt something tweak. The trainers came out, and we wanted to just play it safe and make sure nothing bad happened."
Our View
Neshek allowed 12 hits and seven runs over 13.1 innings, but still held a 1.20 WHIP. He racked up 15 strikeouts as well. He will be missed from the Twins' pen if he is to miss time. We will update you on his status following the results of his exam.
Smoltz hopes to return by end of May
John Smoltz has said that the pain in his shoulder has mostly subsided following 10 days of rest, and after a couple days more he will be able to pick up a baseball again by Sunday in Pittsburgh, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He will start by playing catch and work his way up to a rehab assignment. He is targeting a return to the Braves by the end of May. He mentioned May 20 against the Mets, but admitted that may be pushing it.
Our View
He will work out of the Braves' bullpen upon his return, which is still ailing and could really use his services.
Eyre remains on pace for Saturday
Scott Eyre remains on pace to be activated from the DL before Saturday's game against the D-Backs, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He is recovering from left elbow inflammation.
Our View
Eyre will fight for playing time out of the Cubs' crowded pen and holds little to no fantasy value, especially since he held a poor 1.80 WHIP over 52.1 innings in 2007.
Upton hits homer in cleanup spot
Justin Upton batted in the cleanup spot for the first time in his Major League career on Thursday, and registered a solo homer, according to the East Valley Tribune. Conor Jackson's absence from the lineup led to the move.
Our View
Upton now has six homers and 17 RBI for the season, with a strong .344 average. His fantasy stock remains on the rise.
Hudson will be available to pinch-hit
Orlando Hudson will be available to pinch-hit today if needed, according to the East Valley Tribune. Manager Bob Melvin also noted that Hudson could start on Saturday against the Cubs.
Our View
Hudson was nursing a hamstring ailment and a DL trip was an option, but now it looks like he will be able to remain active (barring a setback). He has been fairly productive with a .274 average over 31 games, with three homers, 17 RBI, 17 runs, and two stolen bases.
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